A homeowner's association is an affiliation of homeowners in a specific development that oversees the enforcement of private covenants and in some cases, maintains private streets and common areas. It is common for association members to pay a monthly fee. Contact your developer to determine if an association has been formed in your development. Ask for a copy of the association documents and review them to learn about fees and the rights and responsibilities of the association.

Such covenants are private rules that cover all of the properties within a specific development and regulate such things as the size and type of allowed fences and exterior colors of homes. These private rules are enforced by associations and not by the City. You may find it very helpful to ask the association for a copy of the covenants beforehand to review.

No. A warranty is a seller’s assurance to the buyer that the final product will be as promised and the City has no authority over private contracts or warranties. The City’s responsibility is to review plans and perform inspections to ensure compliance with City codes during the development and construction phase.

There are several types of easements: drainage, utility, scenic, etc. Easements on your lot are typically for drainage and utilities. Although you own the property, easements give certain public and private entities the right to enter the property to perform repair and maintenance. All easements on your property should be shown on the lot survey or plat, or described within the title documents.

If the streets within a development are private, the individuals within the development own the streets, usually as part of the homeowner's association. Homeowner associations typically hire a private contractor to plow and maintain the streets as the City does not plow or maintain private streets.

The water level in the pond may rise and fall, and its appearance may change from season to season. The area surrounding wetlands/ponds (generally 25 feet around the perimeter) is owned by the City or state. It is important to not maintain this area as an extension of your yard. The natural growth around wetland filters out harmful sediments from entering the water and creating algae. In most cases, Canadian geese are less apt to visit or nest in a wetland with its natural growth area intact.

Also, you are reminded to not dispose of grass clippings or animal excrement in or near ponding areas or in streets/sewers. Grass clippings and other materials adversely affect the water quality of our wetlands and lakes. Floatation devices (boats, canoes, rafts, etc.) may only be used on Tanners Lake, located at I-94 and Geneva Avenue. In addition to addressing safety concerns, these guidelines protect our bodies of water and their abundant wildlife – including fish, turtles, birds, and mammals, that live and nest in and near the water. If you have questions, please call 651-730-2723.